Residents, staff celebrate National Nursing Home Week

Mohawk Valley Health Care Center celebrated the last day of National Nursing Home Week with a resident and staff beach social on Friday afternoon.

The weeklong celebration was a way for residents and staff to enjoy each other’s company in recognition of this year’s theme of “Team-Centered Care.”

By Nichole Grant

The Telegram

By Nichole Grant

Posted May. 21, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated May 21, 2013 at 9:00 PM

By Nichole Grant

Posted May 21, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated May 21, 2013 at 9:00 PM

Ilion, N.Y.

Mohawk Valley Health Care Center celebrated the last day of National Nursing Home Week with a resident and staff beach social on Friday afternoon.

The weeklong celebration was a way for residents and staff to enjoy each other’s company in recognition of this year’s theme of “Team-Centered Care.”

On Monday, the week kicked off with free popcorn for all residents and staff.

Tuesday was Crazy Hat Day and a hat contest took place to see who had the craziest hat between the residents and staff.

“Let’s go bananas,” an ice cream social, took place on Wednesday. Staff received free ice cream and also served ice cream to residents during live musical entertainment.

On Thursday, staff brought in baby photos and shared memories with residents.

The beach social was the last event to mark National Nursing Home Week where residents and staff were able to listen to music, dance and celebrate with beach theme drinks, snacks and pizza from Primo’s Pizzeria in Ilion.

“This week has been great because staff from every department and residents have been able to celebrate together as a team,” said Miranda Meinzer, Mohawk Valley Health Care Center director of activities.

This year the staff also received T-shirts to show their National Nursing Home Week pride, added Meinzer. “The front of the T-shirts say ‘Behind every great nursing home is great staff’ and the back says ‘TEAM MVHCC,’” she said.

New York State Health Facilities Association Director of Information Services Ellen Bagley was present on behalf of NYSHFA during Friday’s beach social.

“NYSHFA represents nursing homes across the state and we help provide training, advocacy and professional course that can enhance a person’s ability to move up with their career in a nursing home facility,” she said. “Today I’m here to represent the Mohawk Valley Health Care Center because they decided to do something special and celebrate National Nursing Home Week.”